Chinese imports of Iranian and Venezuelan oil hit a three-year high in 2021, despite U.S. sanctions on both countries' oil trade. Purchasers in China bought 324 million barrels from the two countries in 2021, a 53% increase over 2020 levels and nearing a 2018 high of 352 million barrels. While crude oil from other sources became more expensive in 2021, sanctioned Iranian and Venezuelan crude remained cheap by comparison. To cover their tracks, shippers often relabel Iranian and Venezuelan oil as originating in Oman and Malaysia. Official Chinese statistics have shown no oil imports from Iran since December 2020, but show increases in imports from Oman and Malaysia.